Two-million fires are reported each year, and 400,000 homes are damaged or destroyed with property loss exceeding $4 billion. For these homes only one thing is sure: each fire started with just a tiny spark or flame that grew until it was noticed and someone called 911. During those few crucial minutes of waiting for help to arrive, many small fires could easily be put out if the homeowner has a fire extinguisher handy. Instead, small fires often escalate into raging infernos by the time help arrives. Then, it's too late. Home fire extinguishers can be found in most hardware centers. There are three types or classes for different fires. Class A is for wood, cloth, paper and other ordinary combustibles. Class B is for flammable liquids, and Class C is for electrical fires. Many are an all-round ABC combination, made to douse most small household fires. Medium extinguishers come in two sizes -- 60 or 80 ounce. Keep one handy. And that's the On The House tip for today.